Who's Watching Who?

Stop, look and listen for the colors and calls on The Edge of the Wilderness. A thousand eyes may be looking back at you.

Spectacular Sights Abound

Nature paints panoramic pictures here - from the crisp greens of spring and summer to the brilliant golds of fall and the frozen whites of winter. You'll encounter spectacular sunrises and sunsets at Pughole Lake. Enjoy clear water, fragrant wildflowers from the lily of the valley to jack-in-the pulpit, and plants such as cattails, ferns and trees. When you visit this home of dozens of types of insects, fish, birds and other animals, please do so with respect.

From the silent flutter of butterflies to the noisy squeal of wood ducks, from the graceful turn of the deer to the busy work of raccoons and beavers, this place of peace is also bustling. Try to identify the laugh of the loon, honk of the goose and the chorus of sparrows, red-winged blackbirds, goldfinches and crickets.

Look skyward to glimpse an eagle, osprey or turkey vulture. There are more bald eagles on The Edge then any other part of the lower 48 states. An eagle nest may measure up to 10 feet in diameter and weigh 4,000 pounds. The osprey lives in a high nest in treetops. It winters as far away as South America but returns to the same nest year after year.

To distinguish among these three mighty birds, watch their manner of flight.

The bald eagle has flat wings, the turkey vulture, upswept wings, and osprey, a crook in its wings. Minnesota has the greatest number of timber wolves in the lower 48 states. They are considered a threatened species but not endangered in Minnesota. Less often seen but still present on The Edge are coyote, bear, and moose.

Tracking Wildlife

In some seasons, tracks are visible in the soft wet soil or snow. Deer leave an outline of a hoof. You can tell raccoon markings by a larger hind foot next to the much smaller front foot. Look for the double leaps of squirrels who use their front and hind feet together.

The thick trees of the forest are the food, shelter and playground of many animals and insects. Insects nibble on the leaves. Bees and butterflies draw nectar from the blossoms. Birds munch on the insects in the trees. Cicadas, crickets and frogs fill the night air with their music. Bats and owls are visible through the moonlight.